R Little Vineyard's Edelweiss + Wollersheim Marechal Foch = Cedar Creek Port Rose

Cedar Creek Winery (Wollersheim Winery's sister winery) will be releasing a Port Rose this Spring. In it will be grapes from my family's vineyard in Wisconsin. It is a blend of R Little Vineyard's Edelweiss and Wollersheim Winery's Marechal Foch grapes. My parents and I got a private tour of Wollersheim Winery's cellar with Philippe Coquard, co-owner and winemaker. We tasted the Port Rose out of the tank and it was outstanding. Philippe and his wife Julie were in Portugal on their anniversary trip when they tasted some Port Rose and thought we should do this. Philippe came home and the Port Rose was born.

It is going to be bottled and released in April sometime. The blend is about 3% Edelweiss and 97% Foch. Philippe said the Edelweiss adds a certain flavor profile to the wine. 

Wollersheim Winery was awarded 2012 Winery of the Year by the San Diego International Wine Competition. As Robert Whitley, Director of the SDIWC, put it, "...the Napa Valley thunder was stolen by a winery from Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin. Strange but true." Congratulations to them!

Wollersheim Winery was named 2012 San Diego International Wine Competition Winery of the Year

Philippe Coquard pours us a taste of the soon to be release Port Rose

R Little Vineyard's Edelweiss blended with Wollersheim's Marechal Foch to create Port Rose

R Little Vineyard located in Stoddard, Wisconsin

Pam and Bob Rochester enjoying the Port Rose

Bob, Pam and Philippe cheers the partnership between grower and winery

My Besties Bridal & Bachelorette Party: March 31, 2012

In March I travelled back to Wisconsin for a couple of weeks for work and for my best friend's bridal and bachelorette party. Nikki and Nick's wedding is Memorial Weekend in the Dominican Republic. I cannot wait! I got a lot of ideas for her party off Pinterest. Check out some pictures from the party below.

Ice Cream Cake

I rolled up napkins and put diamond rings around them.

Pinterest fruit kabobs and doughnut hole tree.

Yogurt parfait bar with mason jars.

Bride and bridesmaids (missing Sally and Sharri).

Nikki opening up gifts.

Nikki opening up gifts.

Bachelorette Nikki at Chula Vista Resort.

Pre-party before hitting downtown Wisconsin Dells.

Cheers to the future Mrs. Howe!

Me, Steph and Nikki downtown Dells.

Nikki and me. Don't know what I would do without her.

It was a fun night. Cannot wait for the wedding.

Whitewater - 2012 Brent's mancation vacation video

Made the news

Midwest Wine Press
www.midwestwinepress.com
Midwest Wine Press (MWP) is the first business publication dedicated entirely to the art and business of winemaking in the Midwestern United States. The goal of Midwest Wine Press is to help winery owners, grape growers and cellar masters be more effective and profitable.

Unlike California-based, wine-trade publications, MWP focuses exclusively on issues related to growing grapes and making wine in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Each issue focuses on the art, science and business of winemaking.

Featured Stories:

2012 Wisconsin Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Conference Summary
February 3, 2012 By mwpstaff

The 2012 Wisconsin Fruit and Vegetable Conference, held January 15th to 17th at the Wilderness Resort in the Wisconsin Dells, had a record attendance of 701, according to Anna Maenner, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Winery Association and the Wisconsin Grape Growers Association (WGGA). The Wisconsin Conference is different from other Midwestern wine shows in that the agenda includes various crops other than grapes. Maenner said the attendance for the wine and grape contingent of the show was around 175.

Robert Raatz, VESTA Coordinator at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, 

explains wine education programs to Conference attendees. 

Becky Rochester, Grape Marketing Coordinator, for the Wisconsin Grape Growers Association addresses attendees of the Wisconsin Fruit and Vegetable Conference. 

Michael Cronin, Accounts Manager for Kaufman Container in Minneapolis, 

at the company’s Conference exhibit. 

Presenters at the conference painted a picture of a rapidly evolving Wisconsin wine industry. Among the highlights from Conference speakers:

Becky Rochester, Grape Marketing Coordinator of the WGGA, said there are now 90 wineries in Wisconsin according to her 2011 Wisconsin Wine Industry Survey. In 2004, there were 35 wineries in the state.

Dean Volenberg, University of Wisconsin Extension Agent for Door County, said that of the 72 counties in Wisconsin, there are only 12 counties currently without a winery or a vineyard.

The number of acres of grapes in Wisconsin is subject to debate. Tim Rehbein, University of Wisconsin Extension Agent for Vernon County, said that the USDA reports 480 acres of grapes under cultivation in Wisconsin. However, the 2011 WGGA survey discovered 358 acres of grapes. Rochester said she believes actual vineyard acreage could be as high 750 acres based on her travels throughout the state. Vernon County, between Madison and LaCrosse, had the highest total acreage followed by Dane County which includes the city of Madison.

Six new wineries opened in Wisconsin during ’11. 2010 total wine production was over 676,000 gallons, a 6% increase over 2009 and a 17% total increase from 2008 levels.

Rochester said Marquette was the varietal that wineries were most interested in purchasing followed by LaCrescent. Two new varietals, Sabrevois and Brianna, moved into the top 12 varieties planted in Wisconsin. Conversely, Seyval Blanc is being pulled out most frequently by growers primarily because of cold hardiness problems.

The conference was attended by a number of entrepreneurs considering starting a winery or vineyard. Rehbein said grape growing is profitable in Wisconsin, but new vineyards should expect to spend about $14,000 per acre (including labor costs) before the first harvest in the third year after planting.

The first Wisconsin Grape Growers Association Awards were announced at the Conference. Tim Rehbein won the Industry Award for major contributions advancing the Wisconsin grape and wine industry.

Wollersheim Winery won both the Grower Award and the Industry Award. (Please see the January 2012 profile of Wollersheim in the Wisconsin section of Midwest Wine Press.)

Maenner of the WGGA said that it’s exciting to see the Conference continue to grow from year to year. ”The sharing of information, grower-to-grower and winemaker-to winemaker is what makes this conference unique and so beneficial to the participants,” she said. ”One grape grower or one winery does not grow an industry. It takes cooperation and a joint effort to move an industry forward where everyone benefits. This conference helps participants forge the relationships that become the foundation of moving the industry to the next level.”

Editors Note: A report on Brad Johnson’s presentation at the Wisconsin Conference, “Engaging Volunteers in a Commercial Enterprise,” appears on the home page of Midwest Wine Press.

Please see the Wisconsin Grape Growers Association website at http://wigrapes.org/ for more information about the Conference.

Millennials Favor Midwest Regional Wines
February 10, 2012 By Kristine Hansen

The Millennial Generation – those roughly between the ages of 21 and 35 – has a strong interest in developing community ties. Supporting businesses near their homes makes them natural customers of local wines.

“You want to support your state’s economy, especially when your state’s economy is not doing that well,” explains Cynthia Drake, 32, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. That’s why she chooses Michigan wines over those from Spain, the Europe, South America, or even California. “I have made a conscious effort to drink Michigan wines and a lot of my friends feel the same way.”

In other words, they’re choosing bottles that are lesser known and moving towards cutting-edge. It’s much like listening to indie bands as opposed to nationally recognized Grammy winners. “Local wine is the hidden gem that does get overlooked by the national audience. You feel like you’re on the inside track,” explains Drake, who spent many weekends at local tasting rooms while working in Holland, Michigan, after college. It was a hayride at Fenn Valley Vineyards in Fennville that interested her to study wine, a study she pursues by tasting as many Michigan wines as possible. She’s even begun to make her own wine and has set up a Google alert for Michigan wines. Trekking to Traverse City from Mount Pleasant twice a year bolsters her knowledge.

Jaclyn Stuart, 28, the sommelier at Margaux Bistro & Wine Bar in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, also likes to visit wineries within her region. Her favorite road-trip jaunt with friends is to Wisconsin wineries where they delight in sampling flights on premise. Many of the other winery visitors, she’s noticed, are between 25 and 40 years old. Restaurants too are of interest to Stuart. She said that Parallel 44, a Wisconsin winery, appears to be the most popular with restaurant wine lists, recognition that, of course, helps expand its reach.

For those new to drinking wine, the scene at a Midwest winery’s tasting room is definitely less intimidating than trekking out to Napa or Sonoma. “There’s no pretentiousness, and it’s so accessible to go in there and try what you like,” says Drake. “I have been tasting in California and it’s definitely different out there.”

It’s that kind of unpretentious atmosphere that Stuart hopes to promote when, come April, she opens Vintage Elkhart Lake, a wine shop and 16-seat bar in Elkhart Lake. “I will have a Wisconsin room with local products, including beer, cheese, spirits and wine. Local is very important to me,” says Stuart. “The eating-local thing has definitely affected me and my peers.”

For this younger crop of wine drinkers, meeting the winemaker and standing just a few feet from the vineyard, or knowing where the product came from, is what they’re after. “It’s more about the experience. We want to be able to say we went to the vineyards and we saw the grapes. It provides a richer experience, instead of ‘I went to Sam’s (Club) and bought this,’” says Megan Pressnall, 31, and director of communications for the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association. “The local-foods movement is an easy sell. The next step is teaching the locavores to pour local wines with their foods.” To that end, this year her association will host four “Locavores Drink Local” events – the first was at Lincoln Land Community College in late January, open to food-industry professionals only, with culinary students preparing foods to match with wines from 15 Illinois wineries. Three additional events will be held in Carbondale, Chicago, and Peoria.

Becky Rochester, 31, grape marketing coordinator of Wisconsin Grape Growers Association, is pushing to put more Wisconsin wines in the spotlight, working with “Something Special from Wisconsin” (a trademarked program with Wisconsin’s state government) as well as locally produced Wisconsin Foodie, a television show about the state’s food and beverage products. Both appeal to a younger demographic. “We’re starting to see more restaurants featuring Wisconsin wine on the menu,” she says.

Targeting younger people is important. “We’ve started using Facebook to get the word out about events and articles in different media about the (Wisconsin) wines,” says Rochester. She also educates Wisconsin winery owners about the untapped potential within the Millennial Generation. “You can’t judge someone who comes into your winery, [who is] in their 40s or 50s, and think they’re going to be your best customer,” she says.

Wendy and Joe Staller are both 32 years old and like having younger visitors at their tasting room. In 2007, the Staller’s debuted their first vintage from Staller Estate Vineyard & Winery in Delevan, Wisconsin, working with contract growers in Viroqua. Now they also grow their own grapes on three acres. “We’re getting more Millennial Generation visitors in that age group. For a lot of them, they’re just getting into wine, and they’re on a mission to hit all the wineries in the state,” says Wendy Staller. “It’s those same people that are hitting all the farmers markets. They’re trying to stick local and support local, independent businesses as much as possible.”

This philosophy only deepens when you reside in a wine region with hundreds of wineries practically in your back yard. Erin Crowell, 27, moved back to Traverse City, Michigan, from Grand Rapids in 2008. She’s now the Features and Listings Editor at Northern Express. “It’s interesting – almost a trend in Traverse City. Most of the restaurants have local microbrews or wine. It’s a rarity to find someone who chooses a domestic brand over a local brand,” she says. Among her favorite state-bred wines is a late-harvest Riesling from Chateau Chantal on Old Mission Peninsula. “They produce a Riesling that’s won a ton of awards and is sweet, but not too sweet,” says Crowell.

While seasoned (read: older) wine drinkers might consult wine ratings in high-brow publications like Wine Spectator or Wine Enthusiast, or look to Robert Parker, this younger generation simply hops online to peruse blogs and web sites devoted to wine. An Internet brand like 35-year-old Gary Vaynerchuk – a supporter of local wines – is one example.

Adunate Marketing Blog by Dianne Lohr

www.adunate.com

The Best Way to Learn Marketing in Wisconsin Winters

There’s no better place to practice marketing than conferences. And there’s no better time than a conference at Wisconsin Dells in winter.

Wisconsin Dells is the Las Vegas of waterparks. And even though the only splashing my husband and I do is that of our beverages (we’re no longer into public displays of our swimming fashion), we did enjoy last month’s Wisconsin Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Conference, put on in part by the Wisconsin Grape Growers Association (WGGA).

Woohoo, you’re probably thinking. Fruit and vegetables. Well, my husband and I are contemplating growing grapes someday, if/when we retire, so this conference turned out to be quite interesting.

I also picked up lots of marketing tips, particularly from the WGGA.

The WGGA is a small, non-profit, agricultural organization—understandably so, since viticulture is still relatively new to Wisconsin. But it’s vibrant organization nonetheless, and its really making headlines.

“I think WGGA is becoming a stronger, more effective association. Membership is growing and we have so many knowledgeable people in Wisconsin who are committed to making the wine and grape industry successful,” says Rebecca Rochester, who serves as marketing coordinator. “Over the past year, there has been a huge increase in media coverage on Wisconsin’s grape and wine industry. It has been very exciting to get the word out.”

So you know this “getting the word out” doesn’t just happen by itself, right? What’s WGGA doing to make this happen?

This past weekend my husband and I once again took a winter break and attended the Wisconsin Garden Expo. WGGA was there with quality-produced visuals, brochures and other promotional pieces. Obviously, the association is out and about, providing excellent information to the public.

They’ve also got an extremely helpful website. Interested in the feasibility of growing grapes in Wisconsin? It’s there. Need a list of Wisconsin’s more than 270 vineyards or 81 wineries? It’s there as well.

Most interesting is Rebecca’s marketing on Facebook. She’s got WGGA in our faces every day but she’s not at all irritating. She promotes wineries, job opportunities, and interesting articles like this one on the state of wine in Brew City.

So this is some of the marketing WGGA is doing. How does it compare to what your organization is doing?

We’d love to hear your good ideas!

Who Am I Meant to Be?

I stumbled across a quiz on Oprah's website: Who Am I Meant to Be?

It is a self assessment to help you figure out what really defines you. Based on personality science, it identifies seven "striving styles," modes of thought and behavior that direct us to seek satisfaction in different ways. Although everybody is wired with all seven styles, most people have one that dominates. When you engage this innate style, you've got the best shot at fulfilling your potential; when you don't, you can feel stuck.

I have been feeling a bit "stuck" lately, so I decided to check it out. My striving styles were right on.The thing that hit home the most is the following statements: "Life will have meaning for you as long as you feel stimulated. As a risk-lover with a lot of energy, you're a natural entrepreneur. You'll be happiest if you change jobs every so often and travel extensively. Movement is what keeps you going." BINGO!

I ranked high on 3 styles:

1. Striving to be recognized
2. Striving to be spontaneous
3. Striving to be knowledgeable

YOU ARE STRIVING TO BE RECOGNIZED

You scored: 18
You are an achiever: Ambitious, competitive, and hardworking: That's you. With a clear image of who you are, you work tirelessly to make sure your accomplishments are recognized. Your drive for success extends to your family, and you invest a lot of energy in helping them live up to your expectations. Thanks to your knack for diplomacy and abundant charisma, you often inspire others.

What to watch out for: You are prone to becoming a workaholic, slaving away toward success while neglecting your personal life. Because you're driven to gain approval, you can find yourself performing for others like an actor; if you become overly concerned with your image, you end up feeling superficial. To keep your ambition under control, get involved in group activities that require cooperation. Also practice listening to those around you and think about sharing the spotlight from time to time.

Looking ahead: Any career that allows you to scale the ranks and gain recognition, status, even material rewards, lights you up. Actress, entrepreneur, salesperson, politician—you get the picture. And consider balancing your professional challenges with personal ones: Run a 10K, train for a triathlon, compete in a tennis tournament, bike from one end of your state to the other; or join a debate team, play in a poker circle, enter your purebred spaniel in a dog show. Whenever you can win at something, you're happy. 

My comments: I am hardworking and a bit of a workaholic. I have definitely realized that there needs to be a balance between professional and personal life. I love a good challenge.

STRIVING TO BE SPONTANEOUS
You scored: 17
You are an adventurer: Action-oriented, curious, outgoing, and often technically gifted, you live for new experiences. You are drawn to risk-taking and aren't afraid to fail. Generally restless, you tend to job-hop or choose a field that offers constant novelty. If you had to name your favorite place, it might be the center of attention—you're a born entertainer, and can easily adapt to any audience. While you collect many acquaintances, you're less likely to develop deep, committed relationships.

What to watch out for: When you can't satisfy your thirst for variety and excitement, you may see yourself as trapped, which can lead to impulsive and self-destructive behavior—drinking, drugs, breaking off relationships, ditching financial responsibilities. Try to find value in some traditions; if you learn to appreciate repetitive experiences, you won't always feel the urge to bust free. And when a new opportunity thrills you, keep in mind that just because it sounds exciting, that doesn't mean it's good for you.

Looking ahead: Life will have meaning for you as long as you feel stimulated. That might mean chasing twisters, exploring the polar ice caps, getting a degree in dance therapy, or becoming an astronaut. It might also mean reading new books, attending workshops, or letting yourself get swept up in an intoxicating romance. As a risk-lover with a lot of energy, you're a natural entrepreneur. You'll be happiest if you change jobs every so often and travel extensively. Movement is what keeps you going.

My comments: I love adventure!! Yes. I used two exclamation points. The busier I am, the more creative I am and the more I accomplish.

STRIVING TO BE KNOWLEDGEABLE
You scored: 17
You are an intellectual: As a leader, you're often ahead of your time. As an employee, you try to surpass the competence level of peers, even managers. Incisive and curious, you're driven to deeply understand how things work. But that's things, not people. Oh, your family and friends are important; it's just that you don't need to spend hours engaging with them. Social validation isn't your goal—you're secure enough in your cerebral pursuits.

What to watch out for: When you can't find a way to be the expert, you may withdraw or simply withhold information, which can make you seem smug or arrogant. If you feel yourself retreating into your own world, seek a friend's help to pull you back. Also balance your cerebral tendencies through physical activities like jogging, hiking, or dance.

Looking ahead: You discover who you are meant to be through accumulating insight and knowledge. So follow your curiosity. Are you drawn to learning Mandarin? Joining a philosophy society? Studying and practicing Buddhist meditation? Delving into the complexities of computer programming? Writing a historical book? Pursuits that place you near the leading edge of technology, science, psychology, academia, or business are good bets. But any situation that allows you to work independently with freedom to investigate and innovate will fuel your drive.

My comments: I will always be a student because there is so much to learn in life. I think this is what makes me such a great project management and operations minded professional.

Take the quiz: http://www.oprah.com/spirit/Who-Are-You-Meant-to-Be-Self-Assessment-Quiz#ixzz1mbbTcMe4

When I grow up I want to be employed

So the interview at a local brewery went great, but I did not get the job. Who thought transitioning out of the wine industry would be so hard. People who know me, know that I am one of the hardest workers out there. I am usually the first one to work and the last to leave. I love to work.

As I tossed and turned in my sleep last night, I thought back to when I was a child. In elementary school, everyone always asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I always imagined myself as a National Geographic Photographer or a Marine Biologist. Later in life I saw myself as a famous fashion designer, but one semester at Philadelphia University changed my mind quickly about that. Now if someone asked me, I would answer plain and simple--employed (full-time)!

Not quite sure where to go from here. I have even applied at Starbucks for a part-time job, while I continue to search for a full-time career in the beer industry. Guess what? They haven't called. Shocker. I know.

So the search continues. For now, I will try to enjoy my 10 hour work weeks and the freedom it allows me. That means watching the Ellen DeGeneres Show every day, taking Maggie on a couple of walks, afternoon naps, working out at the gym and whatever hobbies I find for the week.

2012: the year of opportunities

Hello 2012. I wonder what you have in store for me. 2012 will mark three years of living in Oregon and 2 years with my wonderful boyfriend. I guess time flies when you are having fun.

2012 is they year of endless possibilities. The best part of getting older is realizing that life doesn't always work out how you imagined. When I was young, I set deadlines for everything from owning a house, to getting married to owning my own business. So far I am 0 for 3, but I also didn't plan to live the extraordinary life that I have. And you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way.

2012 is the year of opportunities for a career change. Some of you know that my position as the Grape Marketing Coordinator for Wisconsin was cut to 10 hours per week due to federal funding. When I took the job last year, I knew that this was a possibility so I was prepared. So now what? That is a great question. I have worked in the wine industry for 8 years and have loved most every minute of it. But living in Bend, Oregon makes it a little difficult to work in the wine industry. My choice of course. Actually, there are a few wineries and vineyards in the area, but in all honesty I am hoping to transition into the craft beer industry. I am just waiting for an opportunity.

2012 is the year of opportunities for continued education. In the meantime, I have been pondering going back to school...again...at Siebel Institute of Technology for the Associate in Brewing Technology program. Someone recently said I cannot be a student forever. I say, why not? The mind is a terrible thing to waste. I love to learn. There is nothing worse for me than downtime. I think I would make an excellent brewer.

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover"

Mark Twain

"Opportunity does not knock, it presents itself when you beat down the door."
Kyle Chandler

2012 is the year of opportunities for travel and adventure. I guess I will have to wait and see what the year brings. Whatever it is, I am ready and waiting for my next adventure. I mean, I was born with a suitcase in my hand. I am looking forward to dusting off my passport and visiting London, France, Dominican Republic and hopefully Greece.

I am only as strong as my weakest leg

Today I learned that although I may be able to push pumps that are heavier than me around a winery, run countless miles, and lift a decent amount of weight at the gym, I am only as strong as my weakest leg. That would be my left one.

Welcome back to the world of yoga and pilates. The last time I did either of these two classes seriously was during college. We used to go every Wednesday night before 10 cent wings and 25 cents beers at Brother's. I remember the first class--my legs were wobbly, and I could barely touch my toes. Fast forward six months later and I was a human pretzel.

Today I took a yoga pilates class (a blend of the two) at the gym and was reminded how out of shape I really am. My flexibility is so so, but I can barely balance on one leg. There are ropes and blocks and all these fancy gadgets now too. I made it through and am looking forward to my next attempt. Now I know how one of my close friends felt at her first yoga class. She even kung-fu kicked someone in the head behind her.

New in town

How do you know you are new in town? For starters, you would know to expect snow when hiking in Bend in December. You see, even if there isn't snow down by your house, it doesn't mean there isn't snow 10 minutes away. As we pulled up to turn into Tumalo Falls the gate was down and locked. We decided to just go for it, so we parked and hiked down the road 2 1/3 miles to the trail head.

I live for adventure, so I was determined to see Tumalo Falls no matter what. No ice or snow was stopping this girl. The sun was shining. The air was fresh. The company was pleasant and entertaining. A few rolling down the windows (you know the motion you do when you almost fall?), but we finally made it. And what a sight it was.

Life is short, live it. Love is rare, grab it. Anger is bad, dump it. Fear is awful, face it. Memories are sweet. Cherish them...I certainly will cherish this one.

Brent at Tumalo Creek

Brent & Nicole hiking through the snow

Nicole & Chris

Tumalo Falls

Brent & I at Tumalo Falls

Wo-manual labor

"I learned the value of hard work by working hard." Margaret Mead 

I have spent the past two weeks working as a Harvest Intern at Anne Amie winery in the Willamette Valley. Nothing like some wo-manual labor--almost 100 hours in 7 days and over 180 hours in 14 days. Here is what I have been up to.

Toasting the last of the Pinot Noir to process. I am in the middle.

Mixing up the yeast.

Punching down the Pinot Noir.

Pumping over the Pinot Noir.

Barreling down some wine.

Cooking with wine

Saturday I decided to actually cook with wine instead of just drink wine while cooking. I whipped up some Butternut Squash, Crimini Mushroom and Carlton Farms Canadian Bacon Risotto. Delicious! Here is the recipe in case you want to give it a try.

Ingredients:
1 butternut squash
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
6 cups chicken stock
6 tablespoons butter
Carlton Farms Canadian Bacon (diced into small pieces)
1 cup mushrooms (diced into small pieces)
1 1/2 cups Arborio rice (10 ounces)
1 cup dry white wine (I used Pinot Gris.)
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Peel the butternut squash, remove the seeds, and cut it into 3/4-inch cubes. You should have about 6 cups. Place the squash on a sheet pan and toss it with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, tossing once, until very tender. Set aside or keep in oven to keep warm.

Meanwhile, heat the chicken stock in a small covered saucepan. Leave it on low heat to simmer.

In a heavy-bottomed pot or pan, melt the butter and saute the Canadian Bacon and mushrooms on medium-low heat for 10 minutes. Add the rice and stir to coat the grains with butter. Add the wine and cook for 2-5 minutes. Add 2 full ladles of stock to the rice plus more salt and pepper if needed. Stir, and simmer until the stock is absorbed, 5 to 10 minutes. Continue to add the stock, 2 ladles at a time, stirring every few minutes. Each time, cook until the mixture seems a little dry, then add more stock. Continue until the rice is cooked through, but still al dente, about 30 minutes total. Off the heat, add the roasted butternut squash cubes and Parmesan cheese. Mix well and serve.

Hello Oregon Harvest

Harvest is sort of, kind of, maybe starting tomorrow. I have been called in for two days of harvest work (Thursday and Friday). We will be processing Syrah and sampling the estate vineyard to forecast when the "real" harvest will begin. It has been two years since my last harvest in Tasmania and we all know how that adventure went!

I am excited to kick on my boots, put on my grubby clothes and get back to the cellar and vineyard. Stay tuned for more stories about my Oregon harvest 2011 adventures.

Cruising through life

Road not Taken 

by Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that, the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
two roads diverged in a wood, and I --
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

On my most recent mountain bike trip, "I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference". On a recent mountain bike trip we came to a fork in the road, but we decided to forgo the path we had ridden up on and take the one less traveled on. Was it a good decision? No actually it was a great decision. The trail was filled with sweet up and downhills and fast corners.

As I continue on my journey in life and approach another road diverged, I will have to stop, reflect and make a decision on which way to go next. Life is like one big pick your own adventure book. How will you write your next chapter?

Home sweet home

Two and a half years later, I finally feel like I am getting settled at home in Oregon. "A house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams."

Horizontal and vertical sort of day

Brent and I were in front of the beer cooler debating between the Widmer Brothers Brewing Rotator Series IPA's: X-114 or Falconer's. We love the X-114 which is bursting with citrus flavors of grapefruit and orange, but we also were very curious as to what the new release of Falconer's tasted like. Being the adventurous folks we are, we chose to forgo the X-114 and try the Falconer's.

I really wanted to taste them side by side (otherwise referred to as horizontal tasting), but instead of buying a six pack of each, we chose to just go with a six pack of Falconer's. As we began our walk to the check out, we came up to the wine area where Jay from Western Beverage was pouring samples of none other than the X-114 and Falconer's. Not only was he pouring a horizontal of these two beers, but he was also pouring a vertical of Goose Island Brewery's Pere Jacques 2010 and 2011 vintages. It was my lucky day.

Jay was full of energy and very educational. After tasting both the Widmer IPA's side by side, we chose to exchange the Falconer's for the X-114. They are both solid beers, but the profile on the X-114 better suites our palate. If you have not tried this beer, do so soon before it sells out. We also bought a bottle of the 2010 Pere Jacques. As this beer ages it definitely picks up some very unique flavor characteristics.

What I learned today: I think we will have to add a beer rack in the new house to age some beers along with our 17 cases of wine.

Year 31

It has been awhile since I last posted. Year 31 is starting off with a bit of a writing and creative rut, but I am hoping a change of scenery, (more about this soon), will open my mind to BIG ideas and BIG adventures. Years 0-30 have prepared me to live a rich and full life. I am not talking about rich as in having lots of money rich, but rather rich as in enjoying time creating memories with people I love, rich as in simplifying my life and not working myself to exhaustion, rich as in living a healthy and beautiful life which includes treating others with kindness and respect. Year 31 is going to be great!

Check out my hair! Must be the Wisconsin humidity.

Year 31 started with a birthday celebration in Bend, Oregon. The best part was both Brent and my family ventured out to Bend to celebrate and enjoy the outdoors with us. It actually turned into a triple birthday celebration: Jim Dorman on July 2nd, Bob Rochester on July 3rd and my birthday on July 4th.

Check out the pictures below. We had us some good times. I still cannot believe Dad got Beatnik from this.

Beatnik: a 50's group of young men after the war looking for action and excitement, created art and roamed around countries looking for truth, were taught by zen Buddhist, ate Bacon Egg and Cheese sandwiches.

Brent & I had so much fun in Bend, that we recently decided to make it our home. We are moving into a beautiful house that is 2 1/2 times bigger than our current apartment at the beginning of September. It is the first time in a long time that I have actually lived in a house.

What else is new? Well, come year end, my position with the Wisconsin Grape Growers Association will be very part-time for 2012. I am on the lookout for a full-time job. Anyone hiring? I would love to transition into the beer industry if an opportunity arises. Good thing Bend is home to many craft breweries. Stay tuned...

Pictionary. My favorite memory of Bend trip. Rochester's versus Dorman's. 

We Dormanated Smith Rock's Monkey Face.

The Rochester's headed out to tube the mighty Deschutes River.

Wisconsin State Fair Professional Wine Competition 2011

Wollersheim Winery Awarded Best Wisconsin Wine in 2011 Wisconsin State Fair Professional Wine Competition

Wollersheim Winery was awarded Best Wisconsin Wine for their 2010 Eagle White at the inaugural 2011 Wisconsin State Fair Professional Wine Competition in West Allis. The competition evaluated over 100 wines from 24 Wisconsin wineries.

“The wines were great” said Paul Gospodarczyk, lead judge. “They were not great by ‘Wisconsin’ standards or ‘Midwest’ standards, but legitimately good by any standard.”

Gospodarczyk, a Certified Sommelier, was one of three judges in the competition. He was accompanied by Thomas Payette who is a consulting winemaker based in Virginia and a columnist for Vineyard and Winery Management Magazine. The final team member was Sonoma vineyard owner Dr. Valery Uhl who is the Director for the ‘North of the Gate’ Wine Competition, CA, and an avid fan of the Midwest wine industry. She states:

“West Coast wineries beware! The Wisconsin State Fair Wine Competition not only has stunning wines but is one of the best run wine competitions I have ever had the pleasure of judging. The grape growers of Wisconsin know which cold hardy grape varietals grow well here and cultivate outstanding fruit, and the winemakers transform the fruit into high quality wines that pair well with food or are delicious on their own.”

The backroom coordinator for the event was Wisconsin native Becky Rochester who also works as the Grape Marketing Coordinator for the Wisconsin Grape Growers Association. She says, “The Wisconsin wine industry is booming. The state has over 70 wineries and there are quite a few who are in the process of opening up in the next year or two. This competition is the perfect addition to the current cheese, butter and meat competitions that the Wisconsin State Fair currently runs.”

For more information on award winning wines please visit www.wistatefair.com/pdfs/competitions/judging_results/Miscellaneous/Prof_Wine_by_Medal.pdf or attend the 2011 Wisconsin State Fair August 4-14th presented by US Cellular where the award-winning wines will be on display.

Contacts:
Brian Bolon, Agricultural Director
Wisconsin State Fair
414.266.7050
Brian.Bolon@wisconsin.gov

Becky Rochester, Wine Competition Coordinator
Wisconsin State Fair
503.428.6331

becky@wigrapes.org

The show me state certainly showed me

Tuesday morning I flew from Eugene to Branson, Missouri (MO) for the 7th Annual Viticulture and Enology Science and Technology Alliance (VESTA) Retreat at StoneBridge Resort. I was asked to attend as the Wisconsin state industry representative. What an honor. I didn't expect to meet some of the brightest and most remarkable people in the wine industry.

VESTA is a NSF funded partnership between the Missouri State University system, two year schools throughout the United States, state agriculture agencies, vineyards and wineries with a 21st Century vision for education in grape growing and winemaking. The VESTA program is designed and implemented as a certificate and two-year degree program to train students for work in the viticulture and enology industry. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay will be offering classes this fall!

Partner institutions include:

Arkansas Tech University Ozark Campus-Ozark, AR
Central Lakes College-Brainerd, MN
Kent State-Ashtabula, OH
Highland Community College-Highland, KS
Michigan State University-East Lansing, MI
Missouri State University-West Plains, MO
Northeast Iowa Community College-Peosta, IA
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College-Green Bay, WI
Redlands Community College-El Reno, OK
Rend Lake College-Ina, IL
South Plains College-Leveland, TX

Attending the retreat were VESTA State Coordinators, VESTA Support Staff, VESTA Management Team, VESTA Instructors and industry reps from Texas, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Oklahoma. The experience, knowledge and passion in this group was truly amazing. I mean check out some of the the people I got to know and who are involved in VESTA:

Ray Johnson: one of California's most admired wine educators and industry experts and currently the Director of Sonoma State University's Wine Business Institute and Assistant Director of the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

Patty Held: founder and president of Hermann Wine Trail, national and international wine judge, winemaker, industry speaker and consultant. She was working in regional wine long before most people noticed that wine existed outside of California and Europe. Her work as a winemaker (she graduated from California State University, Fresno's wine program when very few women even enrolled) and as a marketer has helped Missouri become one of the country's top regional producer's.

Dr. Barry H. Gump: Emeritus Professor of Chemistry and Emeritus Adjunct Professor of Enology at California State University, Fresno, where he taught courses in chemistry, brewing, and wine analysis for almost 40 years. He is also known for giving Patty Held (above bio) her only B! He is also the first holder of the Harvey R. Chaplin Eminent Scholar's Chair in Beverage Management at Florida International University's School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. In this position Dr. Gump is developing new classes and programs to expand the offering of the Beverage Management curriculum.

Dr. G. Stanley Howell: Professor and Viticulturist Emeritus Michigan State University has been credited with the expansion and improvement of the Michigan wine industry for over three decades. He was with the Horticulture Department since 1969, after earning a B.S. and M.S. in Horticulture from Mississippi State University, then a Ph. D. in Horticulture from the University of Minnesota. In 2001, Professor Howell created an undergraduate program in Enology and Viticulture at Michigan State University's Institute of Agricultural Technology. Howell retired on September 1, 2006. Fortunately for the industry, he has a number of consulting options including VESTA which keep him connected to viticulture and winemaking.

The meetings lasted  all day Wednesday and part of Thursday. In the evenings, the group would get together for dinner prepared by Amanada Harris (Adam Puchta Winery) and Shelly Baker. These two cooked breakfast and dinner and it was amazing! Of course there was plenty of wine to taste as well. I enjoyed wines from Alabama, California, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon (I wonder who brought that one?), Texas and Wisconsin.

The show me state certainly showed me. It showed me that I am super scared of lightening, thunder, rain and tornado watches. Tuesday night equalled no sleep because I was glued to the TV watching The Weather Channel. It showed me a giant chicken, Elvis and a giant Titanic ship. It showed me that the VESTA program is unlike any other viticulture and enology program in the United States. The partnership between the different institutions, the flexibility of classes and the combination of instructors and staff who are passionate, educated and experienced are unlike any other. It showed me that other state industries are experiencing the same challenges and experiences as Wisconsin is.

What more could you ask for in the show me state?

A giant chicken?

How about an Elvis sighting?

Still not good enough? Then how about a gigantic Titanic ship?



2011 King Estate Wine Country Run